It’s a slice of the planet well-known for its stunning natural beauty as well as its devastating natural disasters. The Inter-American Region is united by a sense of mission in its Seventh-day Adventist members who are shining witnesses for Christ no matter the challenge.
When the January 12, 2010 earthquake destroyed much of Haiti, killing 300,000 people, faithful Adventists remained dedicated to mission. Whether that meant witnessing to the faithfulness of God despite the heartbreak of losing loved ones, or meeting the needs of survivors, members in Haiti stood by their convictions and threw themselves into service.
No challenge was too great for God in neighboring Cuba, where the first Adventist missionaries landed in 1903. Progress has been slow but steady on the island nation. Through generous donations and a volunteer spirit, hundreds of churches have been built by Maranatha International. Cuba is also home to an Adventist seminary and printing house that are both advancing the work.
In the Inter-American region, Jamaica has been a powerhouse of Adventist mission for decades. On a visit to Jamaica, Seventh-day Adventist World Church president, Ted Wilson, was able to visit the Governor General of Jamaica, who is a Seventh-day Adventist. The former British colony is home to Northern Caribbean University which is preparing thousands of bright young students to serve Jesus through mission. Students from the university have won several prizes in the Microsoft-backed “Imagine Cup,” an event where young technologists compete to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. What a witness!